MS Victim's Service Dog Accompanies Owner to Class, where
Water Provides Extraordinary Therapy

Allentown, PA (November 4, 2004) - While most people are just
getting settled into their workday at 10:00 a.m., a group of
people are settling into the swimming pool for their multiple
sclerosis class at the Rodale Aquatic Center at Cedar Crest
College. Among them are Brett Weber and Sophie.

Weber, an Allentown native, recalls the first time that he
and Sophie attended the class. "The lifeguard on duty
asked me if Sophie would be getting into the pool as well." He
had good reason to inquire because Sophie, unlike the other
participants, is a German Shepherd trained as a service dog.

In 1997, just a week before completing his Ph.D. in neuroscience
from Temple University, Brett was diagnosed with progressive
relapsing multiple sclerosis. According to the National Multiple
Sclerosis Society, this form of the disease is extremely rare
and occurs in just 5% of people with MS.

A few years after his diagnosis, Brett began to look into
getting a service dog that could aid him with tasks like pulling
his wheelchair and picking up objects. Eventually he found
Sophie as a puppy and, with the help of a friend, personally
trained her as a service dog.

Sophie, now 4 ½ years old, is constantly by Brett's
side, even at the Rodale Aquatic Center, where Brett joins
other area residents every Tuesday and Thursday morning for
the only aquatic therapy class in the region designed specifically
for those with MS.

"The group atmosphere of the class makes it very worthwhile," says
Weber. "Knowing that the other participants recognize
what you're going through and working together to accomplish
the exercises is very motivating. I've felt a big difference
in my body since I started the class this past summer. I have
more strength and feel myself working with muscles I didn't
even know I had." Weber says that he finds working with
water platforms in the pool particularly beneficial for stretching
his legs and helping them get loose.

"When we first came to the center for the class, I think
Sophie thought she was going to get in the water as well. She
is very attentive and observant to everything going on in the
pool during the class."

Since his diagnosis, Brett has increased his focus on being
an artist in addition to his work as a scientist. Brett, who
describes his paintings as a kind of abstract art therapy,
has had his work featured in a number of shows - in Manhattan,
Philadelphia and Greece among others - and publications with
the purpose of raising awareness of MS and primary progressive
and primary relapsing MS in particular. In fact, a portion
of the proceeds from his paintings is reserved for his own
scholarly research on MS and for the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society.

"In addition to drawing on my own faith and creativity,
I believe that companionship also plays a vital role in one's
ability to heal," says Weber. "Sophie has become
one of those companions that contributes to my ability to heal."

To schedule an interview with Brett Weber, please contact
the College Relations Office at 610-740-3790. The multiple
sclerosis shallow water class is held every Tuesday and Thursday
at 10:00 a.m. For more information about the Rodale Aquatic
Center's multiple sclerosis class, please call 610-606-4670.

About the Rodale Aquatic Center for Civic Health

The Rodale Aquatic Center is dedicated to fostering
civic health and wellness by providing educational opportunities
to the larger community, both alone and in cooperation with
other organizations, that enhance the development of mind,
body and spirit through a comprehensive array of aquatic classes,
integrated with academic topics focused on healthy lifestyles.
In addition to traditional swimming lessons for adults and
children, the Aquatic Center strives to serve the diverse needs
of the community with programs like Aqua Pilates/Ai Chi, Multiple
Sclerosis Shallow Water, "Moms in Motion," Red Cross
Certification, Health and Wellness lectures and many others.
For a complete list of offerings, contact the Aquatic Center
at 610-606-4670 or visit www.rodaleaquaticcenter.org.